10 Questions You Should to Know about SPC Flooring

Knowing the things to ask is considered part of your right as a consumer. After all, the more you know, the better you can compare your selections before making any purchase. Most importantly you can make sure that you are paying extra for the quality you desire. Here are the top 19 questions you should ask your flooring supplier…

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1: Do you provide free on-site measurement and quotation?

This is a free service that should be provided by your flooring supplier or retailer. Make sure they do not add in any extra charges with this service.

2: The actual sample is slightly different from the images on your website. Why is that so?

Most of the flooring supplier will ensure the accuracy of images in their official website and in all printed material. However, there will still be a slight differences due to reflections of lights or the lighting of digital gadgets used when browsing. Here’s how you can make sure that your selected style and color matches with the actual product.

• Look for product sample at the showroom.
• Order a few samples and get them deliver to your house. Some suppliers are able to provide samples with variation for free.

Just call up and see what could they offer you.

3: Should I purchase SPC flooring from the internet?

Nowadays, everything seems to be easily available over the internet. So does SPC flooring. However, the variation of quality can be huge. Just make sure that the you are paying for the quality you desire. Trust me, when it comes to SPC flooring, you would not want to purchase something that wouldn’t last long even though the price is way cheaper.

What’s more? Some of the description of the product might not be detailed enough and you may end up buying the type of SPC flooring less suitable. In this case, the outcome might be different from your expectation.

By saying that, it is definitely worth spending some time either to call up or walk-in and talk with professionals of your flooring supplier before making any purchase. The retailers are normally installation professionals who understand the products and will be able to provide you valuable details and suggestions.

4: Can I fit or install myself?

There are many forms of SPC flooring with different installation methods. Depending on the type of SPC flooring that you purchase. Some SPC flooring does not support diy installation and you will have to engage with professional installer. Normally, local flooring retailers will provide service including both supply and install.

5: Are there possible preparation steps can be done prior to SPC flooring installation?

The answer is definitely yes.. Here’s what you can do, in order to get a perfect outcome.

• Acclimatize your SPC flooring under stable room temperature by removing the packaging and lay the SPC pieces flat in the room.
• Most of the products require a 24-hour acclimatization, except for loose-lay and click-lock which require a 48-hour acclimatization.
• Temperature before, during and after installation should be maintained the same.

Check out our ‘Quick & Easy Installation Guide For Your SPC Flooring Installation’!

6: Which type of SPC flooring best fits my house?

As you know SPC flooring comes in different types and styles. Each has it’s advantages in terms of functionality and visual appearance. If you are planning to install SPC flooring to areas with frequent contact to water, you may want to choose the type with high water resistancy and glueless installation. SPC flooring that uses adhesive during installation is not able to withstand moisture as the water will weaken glue bonds and causing serious flooring issues.

Depends on the amount of traffic, you would also want to choose a heavy-duty SPC flooring in high traffic area like corridor or living room. Can’t find a balance between functionality and visual appearance? Remember to always seek for help from your flooring supplier as they are expert in this and know their product best. Just inform your flooring supplier or retailers about it and they will be able to come out with good recommendations that meet your need.

7: Can SPC flooring be installed over existing floor?

No matter what type of existing flooring you have, SPC flooring can be installed over most type of flooring as long as the condition of your existing floor or sub-floor is ….

• Dry, free of dust and dirt
• Well-leveled, flat and smooth
• Firmly installed and not loose.

Always refer to your floor supplier if you have any doubts.

8: Can I install SPC flooring outdoor?

There is this misconception that since SPC flooring is water resistant so it should be suitable to be laid outdoor. This is a huge mistake! Don’t let yourself fall into it or you will be putting your money into waste. SPC flooring is definitely not suitable for outdoor application.

9: Is SPC flooring suitable to be fit on staircase?

Yes, skillful installer will be able to provide such service using appropriate parts and tools.

10: Can I use SPC flooring on wall or ceiling?

SPC pieces featuring the beauty of natural variation has gain the attractions of many interior designers to use it as a wall or even ceiling decoration. It is a genius idea indeed! However, the applicable of SPC flooring on wall or ceiling is very much depends on the type of SPC floor used.

Certain brands or type of SPC floor do not support such application. You may seek advice from your flooring retailers for a better understanding.

11: Can SPC flooring be installed close to open fire?

Yes, most SPC flooring is manufactured with a certain level of fire retardancy. Large-scale experiments of real fire condition have been tested out on SPC flooring. Results show that SPC flooring does not contribute to spread of fire or resulting in any fire hazard.

Not just that.. In fact, SPC flooring is able to resist and even stop the burning when flame is being removed. However, SPC flooring is sensitive to heat. It may be permanently deformed, scarred or damaged when it comes to contact with high temperature surfaces, cigarettes and matches. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid direct contact with any heat surface or appliances.

12: WIll SPC flooring impacts on indoor air quality (IAQ)?

Well, this is very much depends on the brand of SPC flooring that you purchase. It is undeniable that SPC flooring do emit volatile organic content (VOC)s into the air, but you can reduce it by choosing a tested and certified SPC flooring brand.

SPC flooring manufacturers with certification that comply with the local authority standard will have a lower level of VOCs, which is definitely a safer choice as they are committed to provide a healthier indoor air quality.

13: Does SPC flooring needs to resand and recoat?

Unlike any timber or hardwood flooring, SPC flooring does not need extra refinish and touch up. The process of resanding might pose a risk of ruining the surface if it’s not carried out properly. So why risk going through extra refinish on something that is not designed to be?

14: How should I look after and maintain my SPC flooring?

Taking care and maintaining SPC flooring is pretty simple and straightforward. Just make sure that you have a regular routine on basic cleaning like sweeping and damp mopping. However, there are a few areas to be watch out including cleaning after installation, types of cleaning tools and solution used. It is best for you to learn about the tips here before you make any mistakes.

15: What are the things included under the SPC flooring warranty?

There are two types of warranties in the market which categorised according to the application. If your SPC flooring is manufactured for residential purposes then your flooring will be covered under residential warranty. Commercial purpose SPC flooring will get covered under commercial warranty.

Residential warranty term length is longer than commercial warranty. Depending on the quality or grade of SPC flooring, some residential warranty period can covered up to 25 years or even a lifetime. Whereas commercial warranty only last for 5 to 7 years normally. So let’s see what’s generally covered by the warranty:

• Discolor or stained bottom-up from underlayment, alkali, mold or mildew growth.
• Curling of SPC edges
• Rip or tear from normal household use
• Wear through
• Manufacturing defects
• Permanent indentation caused by normal household use.

16: What about the things that are not covered?

How about the things that are not covered? You might want to prevent damage caused by the following factors..

(i) Damage due to Improper installation.

Problem like this can be prevented easily if you do your preparation well before installation. Including suitable sub-floor condition, proper handling and transportation, acclimatizing your SPC as well as storage condition.

(ii) Damage during Non-traditional installation

This means intricate pattern and style, application on wall, ceilings, outdoor or purposes other than flooring installation.

(iii) Moisture related issues

Issues like buckling, checks, cupping, crowning, gapping, peeling, seam swelling, twisting or warping due to lack of moisture or high moisture. Therefore, watch out for spills, leaking pipes, pets, subfloor moisture and avoid wet mopping to spare yourself from all this moisture related headaches.

(iv) Other site or surrounding condition

Extreme condition like exposure to heat, sunlight, sand will cause long-term damage towards your SPC flooring and this can not be claimed under warranty. Improper maintenance, misuse, scratches and indentations of SPC floor caused by pets, furnitures, heels, appliances and toys are normally not covered as well.

(v) Reduce in glossiness

Sad to tell you this, but most of the flooring supplier or manufacturer do not consider loss of fade of glossiness is a defect itself. So… you can claim on this.

The company is the world’s best Waterproof SPC Flooring supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

17: How thick should my SPC flooring be?

Generally, the thickness of SPC flooring ranges from  2mm to 5mm. Why thickness of SPC pieces should be a concern when you shop for your SPC flooring? The reason being, thicker SPC is more durable. Here are the key points you should not missed when considering the thickness of SPC flooring.

• Room or space to be installed
• Type or condition of your subfloor.
  If your subfloor is not in good condition and require some additional support, by all means, choose a thicker SPC.

• Expected foot traffic for the area to be installed.
  Heavy traffic areas like hallway, kitchen, living room or foyers may require thicker SPC flooring. Don’t forget to always seek for professional advices from your flooring retailers when in doubt.

18: How long does the installation takes?

Assuming all preparation work has been done correctly and the site is ready for installation, it’s estimated to take up 2 days for experts to complete with professional look. Of course, if you are installing it by yourself or have no previous experience in flooring installation, you may need a longer time to complete it.

Not to forget… the size of your room is also another determining factor to the duration you need to complete the installation.

19: Glue down or Click-lock mechanism? Which is the best?

You can still find glue down fitting system quite common in the flooring industry nowadays. However, since the rise of click-lock method, more and more manufacturers or house owner switched to using the click-lock system.   Want to know more about what makes click-lock method out-weight the glue down system? Here’re the advantages you will find in click-lock system:

• Prolonged lifespan
• Quick installation
• Free of toxic released into the air from the usage of adhesive
• Not causing damage to sub-floor/ existing floor
• Hassle-free installation

Still Some Questions Are Missing?

There you go, that’s all the 19 questions you should be asking before proceed to the cashier. Did I missed out anything you have in your mind? Feel free to leave a comment below so I will update it in the list here.

If you are would like to know the differences between SPC flooring & laminate flooring, check out our blog on ‘Laminate vs. SPC Flooring: Which Is Better? This Will Help You Decide!’ to learn more!

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Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) has exploded in popularity over the past decade thanks to its budget-friendly price and do-it-yourself installation. Yet even seasoned remodelers have lingering questions. Below you’ll find straightforward, fact-based answers to the ten queries we hear most often at AdvantageLumber.com.

1. What is LVP flooring?

LVP is a rigid, click-together plank flooring that mimics the look of hardwood. Each plank is a multi-layer composite built around a core of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or an upgraded stone-plastic composite (SPC). Finished planks lock together without nails or glue, forming a “floating” floor over most flat sub-surfaces.

2. What does LVP stand for?

Luxury Vinyl Plank. “Luxury” signals a more durable wear layer with more realistic visuals than early sheet-vinyl products, while “Plank” refers to the rectangular board format that resembles wood flooring.

3. What is LVP flooring made of?

Typical anatomy (top-to-bottom):

Color repeat happens every 4-8 boards, so keen eyes may spot identical patterns—one reason many luxury builders still prefer authentic hardwood.

4. Is LVP flooring toxic?

Modern LVP must pass strict U.S. emissions standards (FloorScore®, CARB II) for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). That said, it is still a PVC product, which depends on petroleum-derived plasticizers and may off-gas more than natural materials. If you’re chemically sensitive, request third-party certification sheets before purchasing.

The Dangers of LVP: Fire Risks and Health Concerns

Beyond its aesthetic and imported shortcomings, LVP poses significant safety risks due to its PVC composition. PVC is a petroleum-based plastic that, when exposed to fire, releases toxic smoke and chemicals, increasing the dangers of a house fire. Here’s why this matters:

• Fire and Smoke Risks of PVC-Based LVP:
  • When PVC burns, it produces dense, toxic smoke containing hydrogen chloride gas and dioxins, both of which are highly dangerous to human health. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoke inhalation is the leading cause of fire-related deaths, accounting for 50–80% of fatalities in residential fires. Adding PVC-based products like LVP flooring to your home increases the volume of toxic smoke in a fire, heightening the risk of incapacitation or death before flames even reach occupants.
  • The U.S. Fire Administration reports that approximately 3,500 civilian fire deaths occur annually in the U.S., with smoke inhalation being a primary factor. Studies from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) show that burning plastics, including PVC, release smoke that reduces visibility and contains carcinogens, making escape more difficult.
• Health Impacts of PVC Smoke:
  • Hydrogen chloride gas from burning PVC can cause severe respiratory irritation, leading to choking or unconsciousness. Dioxins, a byproduct of PVC combustion, are classified as persistent organic pollutants and are linked to long-term health issues, including cancer and immune system damage. Even low levels of exposure during a fire can have lasting effects.
  • In a study by the International Association of Fire Fighters, synthetic materials like PVC were identified as increasing the toxicity of fire environments, posing risks not only to homeowners but also to firefighters.
• Comparison to Hardwood:
  • Hardwood flooring, while not fireproof, burns more predictably and produces less toxic smoke than PVC. Wood chars slowly, creating a barrier that can slow fire spread, and its smoke primarily consists of carbon dioxide and water vapor, which are less immediately harmful than PVC’s chemical byproducts. Choosing hardwood over LVP reduces the health risks associated with a potential fire.
• Additional PVC Concerns:
  • Even without a fire, LVP can pose health risks. Off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from PVC flooring has been linked to indoor air quality issues, potentially causing respiratory irritation or headaches, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. While modern LVP products may meet VOC emissions standards, the long-term effects of living with synthetic materials are still under study.

5. How to clean LVP flooring?

1. Dust-mop or vacuum (hard-floor setting) daily to remove grit.
2. Damp-mop weekly with a pH-neutral vinyl cleaner.
3. Wipe spills promptly—standing water can seep through plank gaps.
4. Avoid abrasives like scrub pads and powdered cleansers.

6. Can you use a steam mop on LVP?

Most manufacturers prohibit steam mops. Heat and pressurized moisture can soften seams, compromise click joints, and void the warranty. Stick with a microfiber damp-mop instead.

7. How long does LVP flooring last?

Expect 10–20 years in a typical household—shorter with thinner wear layers, longer (up to 30) with commercial-grade 20-mil wear layers and proper care. Compare this to solid hardwood flooring, which can be refinished multiple times and often lasts 50-plus years.

8. Is LVP flooring waterproof?

Planks themselves are impervious to water, but the floating-floor system isn’t a sealed bathtub. Water can seep between joints and reach the subfloor. For kitchens, baths, or basements, follow manufacturer guidelines for seam sealer, perimeter caulking, and moisture-barrier underlayment.

9. How thick is LVP flooring?

Overall thickness ranges 3 mm to 8 mm (≈ 1/8- to 5/16-inch). More important than total thickness is the wear-layer thickness:

10. How do you repair LVP flooring?

For isolated damage:

1. Warm the plank gently with a heat gun to soften the click lock.
2. Remove the damaged board by disengaging its edges or cutting and pulling out the center.
3. Snap-in a matching replacement plank.
4. If damage is widespread—deep scratches, UV fade—it’s often simpler (and cheaper) to replace the entire floor.

Final Thoughts